Bonnie Saunders - the Artist/Artisan
Bonnie Saunders is Canadian Métis and passionate entrepreneur who has been both an artist and an artisan for most of her life. Working from a small Saskatchewan hamlet, she is a CEO, sole proprietor, a community minded volunteer, a wife, a mother, a designer and an amateur photographer too! After spending 5 years honing her craft before she began her business in 2001, she still faces the difficulty of the tricky steps it takes to transform one plate. When she goes to create one plate, she actually attempts to make 3 plates in hopes that one will turn out and thankfully one usually does. Her renowned technique has catapulted her into a niche offering a unique product like no other.
Bonnie takes immense pride in providing these exquisite and commemorative pieces that serve as tokens of honor for the valiant men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving Canada. As a Canadian artisan, she pours her passion into transforming these beautiful items, each one an embodiment of gratitude and reverence. Bonnie considers it a profound privilege to contribute to the tradition of paying homage to those who have selflessly safeguarded our nation. The members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, police services, fire departments, and emergency, rescue and medical services across Canada display extraordinary valor and unwavering commitment. They brave harsh conditions and face life-threatening situations to protect our communities and uphold the values we hold dear. From the brave soldiers who defend our nation's sovereignty to the dedicated first responders who rush to the aid of those in need, their sacrifices, courage, and dedication are the bedrock of our society. Bonnie's commemorative and personalized pieces stand as a small tribute to their colossal contributions, a way to honor the heroes who safeguard Canada with unwavering resolve and selflessness. Bonnie is happy to contribute a portion of each plate sold to the fund associated with the badge or crest that is featured on the plate.
These stunning mementos that will be cherished by many for generations to come have been well received by members of British Royalty, the Premiers of Western Canada, the Governor General of Canada, several Canadian hockey greats including Paul Coffey, Ric Nattress and Theoren Fleury and most importantly, many brave men and women who risk their lives for us and also in memory of those who paid the ultimate price.
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Bonnie is happy to work with your organization or business so proper protocol is followed and your crest, badge, sports league emblem or impressive business logo is excellently presented and duly protected.
Presentation to Prince Edward Earl of Wessex in 2003
"Over the years I have enjoyed many highlights which now are great memories, such as: designing a Limited Edition 100th Anniversary Centennial Plate for the city of Lloydminster in 2003 and having the pleasure of presenting the “first” Lloydminster Centennial Commemorative Plate to His Royal Highness, the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward."
Bonnie Saunders
Chief of the Defence Staff General Rick Hillier Receiving the Very First Canadian Forces Badge Plate
"The beautiful Canadian Forces Badge Plates, crafted by Bonnie Saunders, make a unique and meaningful commemorative statement for a wide variety of occasions. We were most pleased to have Bonnie present the very first CF Badge Plate to General Rick Hillier in Calgary, on 14 June 2008 at the Military Families Fund Gala, just prior to his retirement, as a unique memento of his outstanding service to Canada."
BOB SMITH
Associate Director General Personnel and Family Support
Services
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"This was such a memorable day for me and my husband Darren. What an honour to present the VERY FIRST Canadian Forces Badge Plate to General Rick Hillier."
Bonnie Saunders
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"Bonnie Saunders is a talented and creative artisan who has crafted a very fine way to commemorate one's service to Canada. Her work is first-rate and is of heirloom quality. It would appropriately mark a wide variety of occasions within the career of anyone within the Canadian military."
MAJOR-GENERAL SEMIANIW, OMM, CD
Chief Military Personnel
December 13, 2013
"Bonnie, I can say that HRH was very pleased with the commemorative plates, and it was an honour for me to make this presentation.
"The Commanding Officer of the Cameron Highlanders, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Patchett presents His Royal Highness Prince Philip with commemorative regimental plates. Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa visited His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Colonel-in-Chief Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa on November 19 to thank him for the royal honorific name "Duke of Edinburgh's Own" he recently bestowed on the Regiment."
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"I was so very honoured and blessed to be asked by LCol Robert Patchett to produce a special set for Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh."
Bonnie Saunders
On September 7, 2012 during the PPCLI's French Grey Ball held at the majestic Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, Bonnie had the distinguished honour of making a presentation to the Regiment's Colonel-In-Chief, The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson. She presented the very first PPCLI Battle Honours Plate which was received with great adoration by Madame Clarkson. In addition, Bonnie presented the very first Marguerite Cap Badge Plate to the Colonel of the Regiment,
Lieutenant-General (Retired) Ray Crabbe. LGen Crabbe was extremely pleased with the gift that will be proudly displayed at the PPCLI Museum in Calgary. This day marked the unveiling of these special pieces that Bonnie has been commissioned to produce for the PPCLI as part of the Regiment's Centennial Celebrations scheduled for 2014.
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"I am deeply honoured to be part of this celebration of "A Century of Service".
Bonnie Saunders
"I was extremely honoured to make available, the Commemorative Plate celebrating Canada's 150th Anniversary in 2017!"
2022. " I was so thrilled to share the very exciting news that I had been blessed with permission to offer this official product approved by the Department of Canadian Heritage in celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee! Her Majesty's 70 year reign can be honoured and remembered in a very special way and I am humbled beyond words to be a part of it!"
Nov 11, 2022
"It was my pleasure to present my buddy, Ric Nattress, a Glass Treasure from Bonnie Saunders. Ric has gone overseas and visited Canadian Forces Personnel that have been deployed on operations and does extensive charity work for other organizations as well. We are currently working together on different initiatives. Ric, from the bottom of my heart, thanks for all you do. SgtMajor check out Bonnie's right hand."
Mike Rude
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"Again, my heart is full!
Last Friday was indeed another memorable one, very exciting and a great honour for me! I had the pleasure of meeting Stanley Cup Champion Ric Nattress as Mike Rude made a special presentation in thanks."
Bonnie Saunders
November 11, 2022